At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful charity projects and build a scalable volunteer support service.
- Company: Free To Fly, a charity empowering mums-to-be to escape abusive relationships.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, community engagement, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth and to work with diverse communities.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team and create safe futures for families in need.
- Qualifications: Experience in charity operations, project management, and volunteer leadership.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
An exciting operational and strategic role leading key charity projects, building a scalable volunteer‑led support service and strong referral partnerships.
Hours: Part time – 21 hours
Location: Hybrid Portsmouth area (officially office based but welcome to work hybrid/remote with regular local community-based meetings and local travel)
This is an exciting opportunity for a Strategic Project Operations Manager to build, operationalise and lead key projects, focusing on designing an impactful, scalable volunteer‑led befriending/support system and embedding strong referral partnerships.
Free To Fly is a registered charity supporting mums‑to‑be to leave abusive relationships and create safe, stable futures for themselves and their children. A Christian‑ethos charity Free to Fly are rooted in partnership, community engagement, and deep respect for the dignity of survivors.
The Project Operations Manager will demonstrate:
- Proven charity operations and project management experience, with strong planning, organisational, and problem‑solving skills.
- Experienced in recruiting, leading, and developing volunteers, with the ability to build effective teams and foster a collaborative culture.
- Strong communicator and ambassador, confident engaging with media, stakeholders, partners, and referral agencies.
- Safeguarding and trauma‑informed expertise, with experience applying safeguarding practices and supporting survivors of domestic abuse.
- Financially and operationally capable, managing budgets, administrative systems, and setting up new services or processes efficiently.
The Project Operations Manager will be a flexible, practical problem‑solver and people‑focused leader with charity operations and volunteer engagement experience, confident building systems that deliver impact. You’ll work closely with partners, volunteers and referral agencies to deliver services and grow capacity sustainably.
Your application should include your CV (with any gaps explained) and a supporting statement that explains your fit for the role (highlight relevant experience, previous fundraising achievements, and commitment to values). Please specifically outline experience of supporting grass roots/early stage startup nonprofits, if you have this, and how you successfully supported their growth.
You will be based in Portsmouth, willing to travel and work occasional unsociable hours, with your own vehicle covered by business use insurance.
This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check, which will be carried out by the employer.
Please note that in accordance with paragraph 1 of Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010, this role within the charity is subject to an occupational requirement to recruit only an individual who is biologically female, due to the specific nature of the duties involved.
We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.
Closing date: 12th March 2026
Applications are being reviewed by Charisma on a rolling basis, so please apply without delay to avoid disappointment.
Project Operations Manager - Free to Fly in Portsmouth employer: Charisma Charity Recruitment
Free To Fly is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable mothers and their children. With a strong commitment to community engagement and volunteer development, the organisation fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and well-being. Located in the Portsmouth area, the hybrid working model allows for flexibility while actively engaging with local communities, making it an ideal environment for those passionate about social change.
Contact Details:
Charisma Charity Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Operations Manager - Free to Fly in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Project Operations Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local community events related to charities. This is a great way to meet potential employers and showcase your passion for supporting causes like Free To Fly. Plus, it gives you a chance to demonstrate your skills in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of social media! Follow organisations like Free To Fly on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. Engage with their posts and share your thoughts on relevant topics to get noticed by decision-makers.
✨Tip Number 4
When you find a role that excites you, apply through our website! Tailor your CV and supporting statement to highlight your experience in charity operations and volunteer management. Show them why you’re the perfect fit for their mission!
We think you need these skills to ace Project Operations Manager - Free to Fly in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Operations Manager role. Highlight your charity operations and project management experience, and don’t forget to explain any gaps in your employment history. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re a great fit for the role. Share relevant experiences, especially those related to grassroots nonprofits, and showcase your commitment to our values at Free To Fly.
Showcase Your Volunteer Management Skills:Since this role involves leading and developing volunteers, make sure to highlight your experience in this area. Talk about how you've built effective teams and fostered a collaborative culture in your previous roles. We love seeing that passion for volunteer engagement!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter and making a difference with Free To Fly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Charisma Charity Recruitment
✨Know Your Cause
Before the interview, dive deep into Free to Fly's mission and values. Understand their work with survivors of domestic abuse and how they support mums-to-be. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Volunteer Management Skills
Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've recruited, led, and developed volunteers in the past. Highlight any strategies you've used to foster a collaborative culture, as this is crucial for the role. Prepare anecdotes that demonstrate your ability to build effective teams.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
As a strong communicator, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be prepared to engage with various stakeholders and partners during the interview. Think about how you can convey complex ideas simply, especially when discussing safeguarding practices and trauma-informed expertise.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since managing budgets and administrative systems is key for this role, come prepared with examples of how you've successfully managed finances in previous projects. Discuss any experience you have in setting up new services or processes efficiently, as this will showcase your operational capabilities.
